FC Schalke 04 have completed the signing of Maximilian Wöber, with the 28-year-old Austrian defender joining the Royal Blues as a free agent after terminating his contract with Leeds United.
The newly-promoted Bundesliga side announced the capture, securing a player with extensive top-flight experience despite an injury-disrupted recent campaign. Wöber arrives with more than 170 senior appearances to his name across previous spells in Germany and England, offering valuable depth to the Royal Blues’ defensive ranks.
Bremen struggles
Wöber spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Werder Bremen, but managed only four appearances in all competitions due to persistent fitness issues. The Bundesliga side subsequently declined to exercise their €4million purchase option, leaving the centre-back to seek an alternative route out of Elland Road.
Prior to his unsuccessful stint in Bremen, Wöber gained further Bundesliga experience during a loan spell with Borussia Mönchengladbach. His familiarity with the German top flight was a key factor in Schalke’s decision to move for the defender, who has now ended his association with Leeds.
Uduokhai pursuit abandoned
The arrival of the Austrian appears to have ended Schalke’s pursuit of Felix Uduokhai. The German defender had been linked with a switch from Turkish Süper Lig side Beşiktaş, but the Royal Blues have instead opted for Wöber’s availability on a free transfer.
Schalke 04 director of professional football Youri Mulder highlighted Wöber’s versatility and experience as valuable assets. “Maximilian Wöber joins us with the experience of more than 170 top-flight games, and his time in Mönchengladbach and Bremen means he is already familiar with the Bundesliga,” Mulder stated. “We are convinced that he will be able to rediscover his best form with us.”
Wöber himself expressed enthusiasm about the challenge ahead. “Schalke 04 proved a very exciting opportunity for me right from the start. After some really positive talks, I’m looking forward to taking on a new challenge at a very special club, who were deservedly promoted,” he said. “Playing in the Bundesliga for Schalke poses an exciting challenge. I would now like to settle in as quickly as possible and get to know my new teammates.”
The defender will work with the coaching staff, including Miron Muslic, as Schalke seek to establish themselves back in the Bundesliga following their promotion.